Mechanical Assembler

Job Title: Mechanical Assembler – Engine Line (2nd Shift)

Job Description

This role focuses on assembling and testing locomotive engines and related components on a production engine line. You will use a wide range of hand and power tools, torque tools, gauges, and test equipment to assemble, troubleshoot, and prepare engines and parts for paint and final testing. The position offers hands-on mechanical work in a clean, climate-controlled, and growth-oriented manufacturing environment, with initial training on first shift followed by placement on second shift.

Responsibilities

• Assemble parts and components for locomotive engines and alternators using hand tools, power tools, impact tools, torque tools, and fasteners such as bolts and screws.

• Fasten sub-assembly parts together with appropriate hardware to meet quality and safety standards.

• Route and install electrical wiring harnesses, hydraulic fluid lines, and fuel lines according to work instructions and schematics.

• Fill engines with fuel, coolant, and hydraulic oils and prepare engines for Test Cell operations.

• Operate specialized engine test cell equipment to perform functional tests and verify proper engine performance.

• Perform pressure decay tests and other in-process verifications (IPVs) as required to confirm system integrity.

• Diagnose malfunctions and perform adjustments or repairs to engines and components to meet quality standards.

• Perform repair work as needed and operate specialized engine testing equipment safely and accurately.

• Conduct preventive maintenance on machines and equipment, including checking oil levels, air pressures, and air filters, and perform minimal maintenance to correct issues.

• Diagnose and troubleshoot assembly problems, part quality issues, and test results associated with new parts and engineering changes.

• Perform multiple assembly operations and pre-paint activities such as wash, prep, masking, sanding, and painting of parts and units.

• Move units in and out of paint booths, power wash units for paint, and check for leaks prior to and after painting.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area to support safety and efficiency.

• Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, standard work instructions, and quality work instructions (QWI’s) to perform tasks consistently and accurately.

• Follow verbal and written work instructions, standards, and procedures safely and consistently.

• Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and welding principles in daily tasks.

• Perform basic math to support measurements, torque values, and assembly requirements.

• Train and assist others by sharing troubleshooting techniques and repair methods as needed.

• Perform other functions or assist in other departments as required to support production and customer needs.

• Support the delivery of comprehensive railway solutions by contributing to the assembly and testing of locomotive components.

• Lift and carry up to 35 lbs and push or pull up to 50 lbs as part of daily assembly and material handling activities.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience using hand tools, power tools, impact tools, and torque tools in a mechanical or assembly environment.

• Ability to work effectively on an engine line or in a similar mechanical assembly setting.

• Experience using gauges such as height gauges, depth gauges, and dial gauges for precise measurements.

• Capability to read and follow schematics, standard work, and written work instructions accurately.

• Ability to perform basic math to support measurements, calculations, and assembly tasks.

• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical systems and components.

• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical systems sufficient to route and apply wiring harnesses and support basic troubleshooting.

• Familiarity with welding concepts and how they relate to mechanical assemblies.

• Ability to perform preventive maintenance on machines, including checking oil levels, air pressures, and filters.

• Capability to diagnose and troubleshoot assembly problems, part quality issues, and test results.

• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs and push or pull up to 50 lbs on a regular basis.

• Willingness and ability to work 2nd shift hours (3:00 PM – 11:30 PM, Monday through Friday) after an initial training period on 1st shift.

• Commitment to following safety procedures and maintaining a clean and organized work area.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment, especially on an engine or heavy equipment assembly line.

• Ability to read blueprints and schematics; blueprint reading skills are a strong plus even if not required.

• Experience with fabrication and basic electrical work in an industrial setting.

• Familiarity with tape measures and precision measuring tools for accurate assembly and inspection.

• Experience performing masking, sanding, pre-paint wash/prep, and painting operations.

• Ability to operate or learn to operate engine test cell equipment and perform pressure decay tests.

• Experience training others in mechanical assembly, troubleshooting, or repair tasks.

• Comfort working under a contract-to-hire arrangement with potential for long-term employment based on performance and business needs.

Why Work Here?

You will join a people-oriented organization that operates in a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art facility designed for comfort, safety, and efficiency. The company supports steady year-over-year growth, offering strong long-term prospects and opportunities to expand your skills in engine assembly and testing. You will benefit from a structured training period, a supportive team environment, and access to on-site amenities such as food trucks and quality uniforms. The culture emphasizes continuous improvement, teamwork, and providing comprehensive solutions to customers in the rail industry, giving you the chance to contribute to meaningful, large-scale projects.

Work Environment

The work takes place in a very clean, well-lit, and climate-controlled manufacturing facility focused on locomotive engine and component assembly. You will work primarily on 2nd shift from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with initial training on 1st shift before transitioning. The environment uses a range of mechanical and electrical tools, including hand tools, power tools, impact tools, torque tools, gauges, and specialized engine test cell equipment. You will also work around paint booths, wash stations, and pre-paint prep areas. The facility provides nice uniforms and maintains a professional dress standard appropriate for industrial work. The layout and cleanliness support safe material handling and movement of units, with an emphasis on organization, preventive maintenance, and adherence to safety procedures

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Winston-Salem, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Winston-Salem,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.